A protest rally unfolded at Republic Square in the heart of Yerevan, with participants calling for the resignation of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The scene was reported by TASS and drew a noticeable turnout from residents and supporters who gathered to voice their views on the country’s leadership.
More than a thousand demonstrators gathered on the square outside the government complex, and preparations for the demonstration were visible in the area, including equipment set up to support the event. The crowd did not simply cluster at the government entrance; instead, a temporary stage was erected in the square, serving as a focal point for speeches and chants.
In a related development, the Armenian National Security Service announced that eight individuals were detained on suspicion of plans to seize armed power in the country. The security agency described the arrests as part of ongoing investigations into attempts to destabilize the political order.
Reports indicated that the protests against the prime minister’s leadership extended beyond Yerevan, with demonstrations observed in other major cities such as Gyumri and Vanadzor. The nationwide nature of the opposition actions highlighted the breadth of discontent across different regions.
Earlier, Armenia’s Investigative Committee disclosed that criminal cases had been opened against 49 citizens in connection with activities during the protests. The announcements underscored the government’s efforts to address what it described as unlawful acts and legal violations that accompanied the demonstrations.
Concurrent with domestic tensions, there was mention of broader negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The discussions referenced the mutual recognition of each country’s territorial integrity, a topic linked to the ongoing and sensitive border and sovereignty considerations in the region.
As the situation evolved, observers noted the balance between public expression and state security, with authorities maintaining a visible presence around government facilities while crowds expressed their political views through organized rallies and public speeches. The events reflected a volatile political climate in Armenia, marked by calls for leadership change and a push for greater accountability within the government, set against a backdrop of regional security concerns and ongoing diplomatic talks.